Workplace harassment means a situation where an employer or a fellow worker uses their position or a power advantage in the workplace to go beyond what is reasonably appropriate at work and causes another worker physical or mental suffering, or creates a harmful working environment (Labor Standards Act, Article 76-2). Foreign migrants and refugees who work in Korea are workers under this law and have exactly the same protections. Please do not suffer alone — read this page carefully.
What counts as workplace harassment
The following actions may qualify as workplace harassment under the law.
- Dismissing or refusing to acknowledge a worker’s ability or results without a legitimate reason
- Assigning work outside the original job scope, or removing someone from their duties without good reason
- Continuously offloading unpleasant tasks that everyone avoids, including work not covered in the labor contract
- Pressuring someone to drink alcohol, smoke, or attend company social gatherings
- Physical assault, threats, intimidation, or sustained verbal abuse
How is it decided whether something is harassment?
No single factor decides the question on its own. All of the following are considered together.
- The relationship between the people involved: harassment can happen regardless of age, education level, gender, length of employment, or type of employment contract.
- The circumstances and location of the incident: both inside and outside the workplace, and including online channels.
- The victim’s response and condition
- The nature, severity, frequency, and duration of the behavior
How to report
Step 1: Gather evidence
Before you report, it is important to collect evidence first.
- Audio recordings, text messages, KakaoTalk conversations, photos, or video
- Witness statements or recorded testimony from people who saw what happened
- A harassment diary: write down the name of the person who harassed you, the location, the date and time, and a specific description of what happened.
Step 2: Make a report
① Report to your employer first
Your employer is legally required to take the following steps.
| Obligation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Investigate the facts | Conduct an immediate investigation into the harassment |
| Protect the victim | Change the work location, grant paid leave, and similar measures |
| Discipline the perpetrator | Change their work location, issue disciplinary action, and similar measures |
If the employer fails to meet these obligations, they can face penalties. If the employer themselves — or a family member of the employer who also works there — is the person who committed the harassment, a fine of up to 10 million won applies. Failure to investigate, protect the victim, take action against the perpetrator, or maintain confidentiality each carry a fine of up to 5 million won.
② What if the employer is the harasser, or nothing happens after you report?
Report to the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) through a labor inspector. Call 1350 (no area code needed) to reach the MOEL’s counseling line.
If you need support, reach out for counseling
If you find it hard to handle this alone, please contact one of the organizations below.
Gyeongnam Foreign Residents Support Center (operated under a contract with the Gyeongnam Migrant Workers’ Labor and Welfare Center)
- Phone: 055-237-8779 / 055-256-8779
- Website: https://www.gnmigrant.or.kr
- Address: 30, Sahwa-ro 18beon-gil, Uichang-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
For the most up-to-date figures, deadlines, and other details, please verify with 1345 (the Immigration Contact Center) or your local Korea Immigration Service (KIS) office before submitting any application.
If You Are a Recognized Refugee: Work Rights and Living Conditions
When you receive official refugee recognition in Korea, a range of rights are guaranteed to help you work and live here. Please check each section below.
Residence status and employment
Recognized refugees are granted residence status (F-2).
With F-2 status, you can work freely without going through a separate work-permit process each time.
Family reunification
The spouse and minor children of a recognized refugee may receive a short-term visit visa (C-3, valid for 90 days) from a Korean embassy or consulate abroad and enter Korea. After arrival, they may also apply for refugee recognition on the basis of family reunification.
Social security benefits
Under the Framework Act on Social Security, recognized refugees are entitled to the same level of social security as Korean nationals. The following benefits can be applied for.
| Benefit | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Livelihood Benefit | Basic living expenses |
| Housing Benefit | Housing costs |
| Medical Benefit | Medical bills |
| Education Benefit | Children’s education costs |
Vocational training
Under the Act on Vocational Skills Development of Workers, recognized refugees can access vocational training programs. Check the Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea) website to see what training courses are available.
Recognition of qualifications and education completed abroad
Education and qualifications you obtained in another country can be officially recognized in Korea. However, you need to obtain official verification yourself through one of the following methods.
- Consular confirmation from the Korean embassy or consulate in your home country
- Apostille certification
If you are still waiting for a refugee decision: work authorization
Even while you are waiting for a decision on your refugee application, you may be able to work if you meet the conditions.
- If six months have passed since you submitted your refugee application and no decision has yet been issued, you may apply for permission to engage in activities outside your current residence status. This allows you to work at a specific workplace within the permitted period of your stay.
- If you change your workplace, you must obtain a new permission before starting work at the new location.
Please verify the exact figures and timeframes with 1345 or your local Korea Immigration Service (KIS) office before applying, as these details can change.
Counseling at UNHCR Republic of Korea
Refugees, humanitarian stay holders (G-1), and asylum seekers (refugee applicants) can all consult UNHCR Republic of Korea directly — by visiting in person, calling, or sending an email.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 02-773-7003 |
| Days available | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (closed Wednesday) |
| Hours | 09:30 — 12:30 |
| korhcr@unhcr.org | |
| Address | 14th Floor, OCI Building, 94 Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul |
| Website | https://www.unhcr.org/kr |
The address and contact details may change. Please check the latest information on the UNHCR Republic of Korea website before visiting.
Useful links
- Gyeongnam Foreign Residents Support Center — labor and living support for migrants
- Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) — workplace harassment reporting and counseling (call 1350)
- Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea) — vocational training information
- UNHCR Republic of Korea — refugee counseling and information